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Paris Is Burning Poster

Paris Is Burning

R
Movie
1991
1h 18m
English
Documentary
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
Rating
WATCHMODE
8.3
IMDB
Paris Is Burning (1991) on IMDb
CRITIC SCORE
90

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Directed By: Jennie Livingston

Featured Comments/Tips

Lepricano says...
7 years ago
After binge watching 8 seasons of RuPaul's DR this movie made me understand things better. Also made me realise how gay americans perceived and developed their community, while that wasn't happening in Italy for example, and now I can see how and why differents we are (sadly for us). At the end of the day this movie should remind us what we've been through not long time ago. And I can see, back at the time, even among other gays, this movie could have been received vary bad or in a despicable way, like there is just one right way to be gay and show to straight people that if we pretend to be like them we maybe worth a bit; This movie is a big fat fuck to these bullshits and a good way to remember or learn it again.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  600
JC230 says...
2 years ago
Watched with commentary this time, just as illuminating, and it’s fascinating to hear the generational differences as well as the stories that would reverberate and influence things like Pose. Well worth a listen in addition to a phenomenal doc.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000
JC230 says...
4 years ago
What else is there to say that hasn't been said? A snapshot of a time all too short but that still reverberates and lives on to this day. It's a beautiful display of pride, yes, but also of longing, of loss, of determination, and of survival. It's people making their way in a world that shut them out, and so they had to make their own. And being remembered by even a few in that world... it's enough. I wish it went on for hours, just listening to these men and women talk and share. It's history. Our history. But it's alive and vibrant by presenting these people not as sterilized paragons but as full people, warts and all, their highs and lows. It's required viewing for anyone and everyone. "I'm a quiet person. And, you know, if you believe that, I own that island right over there too".
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000
2016moonlight says...
6 years ago
Pride Month 1 film a day challenge: #1 The most fascinating documentary I've ever watched. Gay black men, drag queens and trans women are the backbone of our current pop culture, and this film shows the backstage of it all. Unfortunately they still don't get credited, their culture is stolen by white folk and praised by other white people. But the lgbt+ community knows, and we celebrate them. 10/10
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000

Featured User Reviews

AndrewBloom
9/10  4 years ago
[8.5/10] This is just a fascinating movie on so many levels. For one, it’s fascinating as a chance to learn about a particular subculture. Just getting to immerse yourself in the different houses, the different trends, the different rules and practices, is completely engrossing. The rich ecosystem More
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  100

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